NEW DELHI: The 2024
T20 World Cup
concluded in a thrilling fashion, with India emerging victorious against
in a captivating final that encapsulated the essence of the entire tournament. The match, much like the competition itself, was filled with twists and turns until the very last moment.
India's success in this tournament solidified their position as one of the most formidable forces in contemporary cricket.
Their triumph can be attributed to the immense depth of talent within their ranks and their unwavering resolve to win.
However, it would be remiss not to acknowledge the significant contributions of the other participating teams, whose exceptional performances elevated the standard of cricket throughout the tournament, making it a truly memorable event.
Here are some significant moments from the past few weeks to reminisce about:
1) USA shock Pakistan
The United States, co-hosting the tournament with the West Indies for the first time, caused a stir by defeating former champions Pakistan in a Super Over in Dallas during the opening week. The match was tied after a boundary off the last ball of USA's innings, but the co-hosts emerged victorious at the Grand Prairie Stadium, pulling off a historic upset.
2) India prevail over arch-rivals Pakistan on tricky pitch
India faced Pakistan on a challenging New York pitch that favored fast bowlers. Batting first after losing the toss, India were dismissed for 119 in 19 overs. Pakistan seemed to be in control during their chase, but they faltered under pressure from
Jasprit Bumrah
's exceptional death bowling, losing by six runs and facing potential group-stage elimination after consecutive defeats.
Rohit Sharma
's decision to save Bumrah's overs for the end proved crucial.
3) India-US group game
The tricky pitch at New York's Nassau County International Cricket Stadium remained a talking point as India faced USA. Arshdeep Singh's career-best T20I figures of 4/9 helped bowl out USA for 110. India's chase was shaky, with Rohit Sharma,
Virat Kohli
, and Rishabh Pant dismissed early. However, Suryakumar Yadav's composed half-century guided them to victory.
4) Afghanistan enter semi finals for the first time
Afghanistan made history by reaching the World Cup semi-finals for the first time, defeating Bangladesh by eight runs in a tense, low-scoring encounter in St Vincent. Their campaign's highlight was a remarkable victory over powerhouse Australia in their second-to-last Super Eights match. Rashid Khan's performance prevented Australia from becoming a major obstacle for other teams.
6) Rohit goes ballistic against Australia
India captain Rohit Sharma led from the front, unleashing a devastating 41-ball 92 against the Australian bowlers, leaving them demoralized as the Men in Blue advanced to the semifinals with a resounding win. The defeat left Mitchell Marsh's team relying on the outcome of the Afghanistan-Bangladesh match to progress, which ultimately did not favour them.
5) Afghanistan's 56 all out against South Africa
Afghanistan's journey in the tournament came to a disappointing end as they were bowled out for a meager 56 runs in the semi final against South Africa's formidable pace attack.
6) Kuldeep-Axar duo bamboozle England
India's spin wizards, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, spun a web around the English batsmen with their exceptional bowling, setting the stage for a resounding victory over the defending champions and securing India's spot in their third ICC tournament final in the last year.
7) Kohli finally among runs
Virat Kohli, who had been struggling for runs and facing questions about his place in the team, found his touch in the crucial final against a formidable bowling attack. His crucial 76 off 59 balls helped India recover from a difficult situation and set a total that their bowlers could defend.
8) Surya's blinder of a catch
While Kohli's innings was pivotal, it was Suryakumar's incredible catch that sealed the deal for India. With 16 runs needed off the final over, David Miller hit a wide full toss from
Hardik Pandya
, but Suryakumar, balancing himself on the boundary ropes, caught the ball, released it just as he stepped over the boundary, and then returned to complete a stunning catch that will be remembered alongside Kapil Dev's in 1983 and Jonty Rhodes' in 1996.
9) Kohli and Rohit's T20I retirement
Shortly after the historic win, captain Rohit Sharma joined his long-time teammate Virat Kohli in announcing his retirement from international T20 matches, marking a fitting end to two illustrious careers that have run parallel for the past 15 years. The cricketing world was abuzz with tributes to the two legends, dedicating pages to their achievements amidst the celebration of India's title triumph.
